Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Survival
In the short, almost 22 months, that I have been a parent I realize that at the end of the day I slap myself on the back for surviving another day. I feel like I won the battle if Hannah goes to bed without much of a fuss. Lately, I feel like all I do is try to survive each hour with her. I don't know if it is the onset of the terrible twos or if she wakes up on the ornery side of the bed everyday, but I am struggling. Discipline is a joke. She just laughs or runs away from me when she misbehaves. I feel like a broken record. Now she is starting to bite me. I am sure some of it is for attention. Most days it is just she and I, and I only have so many hands. I still have other duties like cleaning and cooking that take time away from her. I try to have her help me with some of the chores, but my patience wears thin and I try to get her to do something else. I know I need more patience, and I am working on it, but it is a slow process. I feel like a bad mom these days. I am hoping it is a rough patch, and that by next week she and I will find our groove again.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Classy Lady
In the past few weeks I have been working with Hannah on her manners. She has thank you down, but still needs a bit of work with please. She also kind of understands excuse me and when you say it. However, last night she forgot to say it after she let a loud fart rip in the middle of dinner at a Japanese steakhouse. I tried to contain my laughter, but let's face it, I have the maturity of a 3 year old when it comes to that stuff. I busted out laughing while hoping nobody around her was too offended. Yes yes, my child is the one that likes to burp and fart loudly while in public. I think she does it on purpose. She is also obsessed with poop, and likes to talk about it in public restrooms. I am sure that gives everyone a good laugh.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Disney World Hotel Tips
I finally had a chance to sit down and sort out all the tips and ideas floating through my head about Disney World. I decided to start with hotel information since that is one of larger expenses on the trip. Disney World has 3 categories of hotels (value, moderate, and deluxe) on their property, a campground, and then the military hotel. There is also the option of staying off property. I have never stayed at the deluxe level (or the deluxe villas) so I can't give my opinion on those. I would love to stay at the Polynesian one day, but right now it is not in the budget.
All Disney resorts offer Disney transportation to and from the airport and around the parks, extra magic hours, pools, and free parking at the hotel and the parks. Let's get started!
Value Resorts
The value resorts are the no frills hotels. The rooms are on the smaller side. I have stayed in them with a friend and it was plenty of room. I also stayed in one with the husband and kid. It felt a bit smaller after dragging all the baby stuff with me, but it was still plenty of room. A family of four would be comfortable in these rooms. One of the value resorts also has family suites which can sleep 6. The new Art of Animation that is opening this summer will also have family suites. The rooms do not include a microwave or refrigerator. It is also a single sink vanity. Like with all Disney resorts, you have access to Disney transportation, which from these hotels are the buses. They will take you to all the parks, water parks, and Downtown Disney. There are quick service food courts in the resorts which offer a variety of food options. The resorts do have fun themes that are reflected in the decor and pools. However, the pools are very basic (no slides), but there are splash parks for little ones. Right now military can get a 30% discount on all value resort rooms. Florida residents can also receive a discount. You also have access to the Extra Magic Hours that either allow you to enter the designated park an hour early, or stay later in the evening. You can check the calendar on their website to see which parks have magic hours on which days when planning. I have stayed at the All Star Movie and Pop Century resorts. I thought they were great.
Pros: inexpensive, transportation, many pools, food courts, free parking
Cons: on the smaller side, no microwave or refrigerator, no balcony
Moderate Resorts
The moderate resorts are the mid level resorts in Disney's repertoire. They are larger than the value resorts, and are also themed. I have stayed in these with just my husband and there was plenty of room. I have also stayed in a room with 4 adults, a one year old, and an eight month old (don't tell Disney!) In this instance it was crowded, and I would not do it again. In all fairness, the rooms aren't designed for that many adults. If you had two adults and two or three young kids, the room would be just fine. The room does come with a refrigerator which is very nice to have. It is also a double sink vanity. There are pools and splash parks as well. The pools have slides for these resorts plus a hot tub. Also with the moderate resorts, you have quick service food courts as well as table service restaurants. As with all Disney resorts, you have access to Disney transportation to and from the airport, and around the parks, and Extra Magic Hours. Right now there is a 35% military discount for these resorts. Florida residents can also receive a discount. I have stayed at Caribbean Beach Resort and Coronado Springs. I loved both of them. The campground and the cabins at Fort Wilderness are considered moderate resorts. I have some pictures of the pool, but no good ones of the rooms.
Pros: larger rooms, pools with slides, refrigerator in room, food courts and restaurants, free parking
Cons: no microwave, no balcony
Shades of Green
Shades of Green is open to current, retired, and veteran military as well as their family. DOD civilian is also eligible to stay here. Shades of Green is probably comparable to a moderate level resort. The rooms are large (I would say they are larger than the moderate rooms), and can sleep up to 6. They also include a refrigerator, and a double sink vanity. Although when I stayed there was a microwave in the room. It is not listed as an amenity, but I guess some rooms could have them. You either get a balcony or a patio with every room. That is a bonus. The room rates are based on rank so they aren't always the cheapest option. When my husband was an E-5, the rate was competitive. As an O-1, the value resorts are cheaper. You still have access to the Extra Magic Hours. However, Disney's transportation doesn't go to the hotel. You use their transportation to and from the parks. They don't run as often as Disney's so sometimes it is not as convenient. You now have to pay to park at the hotel, and if you drive to the parks instead of using their transportation, you will have to pay to park at the parks. They do have a few basic pools, and a hot tub. There is also an exchange to pick up necessities. They do not have a food court, but they do have a few restaurants and a cafe with breakfast and lunch on the go which is located right by the bus stop. I have stayed here a few times, at this point I prefer the other resorts over Shades of Green. However, it is still a great hotel option.
Pros: large rooms with balconies, refrigerator, possibly a microwave, pools and hot tub,
Cons: pay for parking at hotel and parks, transportation is slower, not as many food options
Off Property
There are a ton of off property options around Disney World. Some are great and some are sketchy. The Celebration area right outside the property is a pretty nice area. I have only stayed off property once and it was 8 years ago. Off property gives you a bit more flexibility in price and amenities. I found the benefit of off property was finding one with a continental breakfast which helps with food costs. The con is you have to pay to park if you choose to drive yourself. Although many hotels offer shuttles to Disney World.
Pros: can find cheaper rates, more flexibility with amenities, free breakfast, shuttles to Disney World
Cons: pay to park if you choose to drive your own car, no Extra Magic Hours
Deluxe Resort
I have never stayed in one, but I can tell you what I know. They are nice, and they are pricey. Some are located on the monorail which makes getting to Epcot and Magic Kingdom a piece of cake. They have everything that other resorts do, but on a grander scale. The military discount at this level is 40%. There is also a Florida resident discount.
Pros: large rooms, many amenities, some located on monorail, balconies, refrigerators, microwaves on request, transportation, pools with slides, food courts and restaurants, Extra Magic Hours
Cons: the only one I can think of is the price
Those are some of your options for lodging for your Disney vacation. It all depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. I personally love staying at the Disney resorts and being immersed in all things Disney. From some resorts, you can even see firework shows. If you need some non Disney time, Shades of Green or off property are probably your better choice. If you like being surrounded, then a Disney resort is probably what you would like. Also remember, it depends on the time of year. September to early December are pretty slow (minus Thanksgiving), January, then April (except Easter) to late May/early June are pretty slow as well so the prices aren't as bad as summer or holidays. The hotels at Disney offer more than what I have mentioned. Some are at a price while some are free.
I hope that helps some of you who are thinking of visiting Disney World. Stay tuned for more tips in the coming week!
All Disney resorts offer Disney transportation to and from the airport and around the parks, extra magic hours, pools, and free parking at the hotel and the parks. Let's get started!
Value Resorts
The value resorts are the no frills hotels. The rooms are on the smaller side. I have stayed in them with a friend and it was plenty of room. I also stayed in one with the husband and kid. It felt a bit smaller after dragging all the baby stuff with me, but it was still plenty of room. A family of four would be comfortable in these rooms. One of the value resorts also has family suites which can sleep 6. The new Art of Animation that is opening this summer will also have family suites. The rooms do not include a microwave or refrigerator. It is also a single sink vanity. Like with all Disney resorts, you have access to Disney transportation, which from these hotels are the buses. They will take you to all the parks, water parks, and Downtown Disney. There are quick service food courts in the resorts which offer a variety of food options. The resorts do have fun themes that are reflected in the decor and pools. However, the pools are very basic (no slides), but there are splash parks for little ones. Right now military can get a 30% discount on all value resort rooms. Florida residents can also receive a discount. You also have access to the Extra Magic Hours that either allow you to enter the designated park an hour early, or stay later in the evening. You can check the calendar on their website to see which parks have magic hours on which days when planning. I have stayed at the All Star Movie and Pop Century resorts. I thought they were great.
Pros: inexpensive, transportation, many pools, food courts, free parking
Cons: on the smaller side, no microwave or refrigerator, no balcony
Moderate Resorts
The moderate resorts are the mid level resorts in Disney's repertoire. They are larger than the value resorts, and are also themed. I have stayed in these with just my husband and there was plenty of room. I have also stayed in a room with 4 adults, a one year old, and an eight month old (don't tell Disney!) In this instance it was crowded, and I would not do it again. In all fairness, the rooms aren't designed for that many adults. If you had two adults and two or three young kids, the room would be just fine. The room does come with a refrigerator which is very nice to have. It is also a double sink vanity. There are pools and splash parks as well. The pools have slides for these resorts plus a hot tub. Also with the moderate resorts, you have quick service food courts as well as table service restaurants. As with all Disney resorts, you have access to Disney transportation to and from the airport, and around the parks, and Extra Magic Hours. Right now there is a 35% military discount for these resorts. Florida residents can also receive a discount. I have stayed at Caribbean Beach Resort and Coronado Springs. I loved both of them. The campground and the cabins at Fort Wilderness are considered moderate resorts. I have some pictures of the pool, but no good ones of the rooms.
Pros: larger rooms, pools with slides, refrigerator in room, food courts and restaurants, free parking
Cons: no microwave, no balcony
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| The splash pool for toddlers at Caribbean Beach |
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| Pool at Caribbean Beach |
Shades of Green
Shades of Green is open to current, retired, and veteran military as well as their family. DOD civilian is also eligible to stay here. Shades of Green is probably comparable to a moderate level resort. The rooms are large (I would say they are larger than the moderate rooms), and can sleep up to 6. They also include a refrigerator, and a double sink vanity. Although when I stayed there was a microwave in the room. It is not listed as an amenity, but I guess some rooms could have them. You either get a balcony or a patio with every room. That is a bonus. The room rates are based on rank so they aren't always the cheapest option. When my husband was an E-5, the rate was competitive. As an O-1, the value resorts are cheaper. You still have access to the Extra Magic Hours. However, Disney's transportation doesn't go to the hotel. You use their transportation to and from the parks. They don't run as often as Disney's so sometimes it is not as convenient. You now have to pay to park at the hotel, and if you drive to the parks instead of using their transportation, you will have to pay to park at the parks. They do have a few basic pools, and a hot tub. There is also an exchange to pick up necessities. They do not have a food court, but they do have a few restaurants and a cafe with breakfast and lunch on the go which is located right by the bus stop. I have stayed here a few times, at this point I prefer the other resorts over Shades of Green. However, it is still a great hotel option.
Pros: large rooms with balconies, refrigerator, possibly a microwave, pools and hot tub,
Cons: pay for parking at hotel and parks, transportation is slower, not as many food options
Off Property
There are a ton of off property options around Disney World. Some are great and some are sketchy. The Celebration area right outside the property is a pretty nice area. I have only stayed off property once and it was 8 years ago. Off property gives you a bit more flexibility in price and amenities. I found the benefit of off property was finding one with a continental breakfast which helps with food costs. The con is you have to pay to park if you choose to drive yourself. Although many hotels offer shuttles to Disney World.
Pros: can find cheaper rates, more flexibility with amenities, free breakfast, shuttles to Disney World
Cons: pay to park if you choose to drive your own car, no Extra Magic Hours
Deluxe Resort
I have never stayed in one, but I can tell you what I know. They are nice, and they are pricey. Some are located on the monorail which makes getting to Epcot and Magic Kingdom a piece of cake. They have everything that other resorts do, but on a grander scale. The military discount at this level is 40%. There is also a Florida resident discount.
Pros: large rooms, many amenities, some located on monorail, balconies, refrigerators, microwaves on request, transportation, pools with slides, food courts and restaurants, Extra Magic Hours
Cons: the only one I can think of is the price
Those are some of your options for lodging for your Disney vacation. It all depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. I personally love staying at the Disney resorts and being immersed in all things Disney. From some resorts, you can even see firework shows. If you need some non Disney time, Shades of Green or off property are probably your better choice. If you like being surrounded, then a Disney resort is probably what you would like. Also remember, it depends on the time of year. September to early December are pretty slow (minus Thanksgiving), January, then April (except Easter) to late May/early June are pretty slow as well so the prices aren't as bad as summer or holidays. The hotels at Disney offer more than what I have mentioned. Some are at a price while some are free.
I hope that helps some of you who are thinking of visiting Disney World. Stay tuned for more tips in the coming week!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Dining Out
On Saturday, I attend my first Dining Out with my husband. It was mandatory so he had to go. I decided to go with him since we hardly get to go out without Hannah. It was $40 a person so I was hoping it would be good. It was interesting. I understand the Navy is very in to all their traditions, but at one point I just wanted everybody to shut up so I could eat. We usually eat dinner around 5:30 or 6. I think we were finally served dinner around 8, and it was cold. It was prime rib served cold. I inhaled it, but it was not the best. The servers had the food out and ready to serve except people kept making other people go to the stupid grog, and so it was another 5-10 minutes before the food reached the tables. It was such a tease! I could see it, but I couldn't have it. I am terrible at making small talk so I wasn't much company for the others at the table. Actually I made a fool out of myself because I started crying. I sent a text to the woman watching Hannah that it was going to be later than I thought since they were running behind. She replied saying it was okay, and that Hannah was asleep in her daughter's room so it was like a slumber party for them. For some reason it made me cry. I can't explain why, but it did. I am pretty sure the others at the table thought I was crazy. We did sit with a guy who is a member of the French air force who is here for flight training. It was interesting to see what he thought of all this. He looked bored most of the time. All in all, it was pretty much what I expected. Lots of drinking (cash bar), all the branches making fun of each other, and instructors going wild. I guess that is what happens when you put a bunch of pilots together in one room. I know for next time, look for a dress sooner than the week of the event so I can have it tailored, eat before I go or plan on stopping at Taco Bell after, and drink heavily (which I didn't do).
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| My dress is from Goodwill. Score! |
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Travel tips
My cousin pinned a website on Pinterest the other day about how to save money at Disneyland. Now, I have only been to Disney World, but I know most work at both parks. I read it and noted she had some good tips, and I had a few that I shared with my cousin. I decided I would like to share my tips so I may do a weekly thing where I list a few hints and suggestions I have found that worked for me. I have been quite a few times and in different scenarios: with a friend, with young, school age children, on a honeymoon, and with an infant. Hopefully we will go again before we leave Florida so I can add "with a toddler" to that list. Even if nobody reads them, at least I will have them written down for myself as a reference for the future. I always thought it would be fun to start a travel tip website, but I think I will use my blog instead.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Do stay at home moms get a vacation day?
I am so envious of my husband this weekend. He is being paid to fly to Key West for the weekend while I stay here and hold down the fort. He was telling me his plan for tomorrow is to sleep in and maybe watch a few movies. I would love to have an entire bed to myself for the night, and not have to wake up a few times a night to tend to Hannah or the dogs. Just one glorious night of complete freedom from all my responsibilities. Doesn't that sound great? I don't know if it makes me a bad mom (and wife) for wanting a night away, but I don't care. I feel like it would be a good way to recharge my batteries (and maybe read through my stack of magazines.) Oh well, a girl can dream...
Monday, March 5, 2012
One Year
March 5th, 2011, was my first day as a stay at home mom. The husband was about to leave for OCS, and so we decided it would be easier for me to quit my job and stay home instead of finding day care for 3 months. I would have to say this has been the hardest job I have ever had. Dealing with a toddler has taught me to dig deep to find patience I wasn't sure existed. There are days I want to scream and go running from the house. Luckily, the good days outweigh the bad. I am trying to become more creative with our days. I think we both get pretty bored. I still struggle with that part of staying home. Some days I have no clue how to fill the hours, and that is when we end up butting head. She may drive me crazy, but I am so glad I have this last year with her to watch her grow. I didn't realize how much I missed when I was at work all day. Besides I can't stay mad at this face for too long.
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| She really needs a haircut! |
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